Best Kept Secret

Agents of Chaos

"Just focus on work."

"We've already instructed the staff to block questions on that." Sajangnim told Jihyo.

"If I may ask sir, until when..." Nayeon hoped for it to end. She had seen this endeavor bring chronic nightmares and other symptoms of stress to the team.

Sajang removed his glasses, "For a while. Maybe, indefinitely."

"Indefinitely?" 3-mix faced among themselves. Nayeon pegged the issue from Jennie's that lasted for a month. So, she assumed Jihyo's to last until Mina returns in which, treatments usually go for 6 months. The girls completely understand this. But for the dating issue to be valid longer than that was beyond them.

"I-is this some kind of a matchmaking thing?" Nayeon mumbled awkwardly.

The boss got up his chair and looked far out the window. "Other than diverting attention away from Mina, this issue has covered many things. Things that are ambiguous and unimaginable", he then faced the girls.

"For one, Jihyo... until when will you fancy her?"

Jihyo couldn't look straight. She was also speechless. Jeongyeon coughed as she butted in, "Sajangnim~ Sorry but when you think about it, they can be excused as fanservice. Why is there a need?"

"Because there are even more unimaginable things out there!" He slumped back to his seat. "It's the Blue House. We can't say no to those whose mistakes could probably cost war."

Started blurting out with exasperation, "They needed something big pronto. Granted that among you, Jihyo ssi as the leader will take one for the team. On our end, we were planning the setup then."

"But Dispatch already have something." He covered his face.

"It wasn't in my plan, Sajangnim. You know I even wished to extend the ban. But I didn't realize it either. That I have depended so much to the point of liking her." Jihyo spoke up with eyes on the floor.

He sighed "With all due respect Jihyo ssi, you do realize how more shameful this could be. Thus, instead of releasing your story as it is, we begged to switch it up with an agreeable guy. That's the most we could do."

"Pardon sir. Your guy posted a personal note without acknowledging the 'relationship' in any way nor even ask for RESPECT." Nayeon voiced out.

"Mworago?"

"Shame, leaving Jihyo to bear all these. Good thing, she has 8 others with her." Nayeon with an intense look took a step and grasped Jihyo and Jeongyeon on either of her hands.

"Focus on work, you say Sajangnim? Goes both ways. Time to protect us from thousands more of DISRESPECTFUL comments than what we've already been receiving."

When Sana was hurt, Nayeon-ie stuck to her. While Mina recovers, she calls her. Now, it's me who's burdened. I'm crippled and wavering. Yet again, here's our unnie willing to carry me like this.

"One more thing, Sajangnim... Isn't it unfair for Jihyo that she couldn't write notes like that? Make it right, sir. By bringing us more opportunities to message our Once." Nayeon asserted.

With eyes closed, Jihyo concentrates on her breathing. Carefully, she tries to tilt and turn her head side to side. These are futile as she grunts with every move. Her hand clasps her nape. All the stress has built up into a stiff neck.

A warm set of hands makes its way to Jihyo's shoulders. "Even if you're in meds, don't overdo it." Sana pecks her partner's neck and gently massages it.